Scammed by LightBuLbs

Hello,

I'd like to start by saying that I take no pleasure in writing anything in this section.  It takes time away from work but needs to be done to expose people like in my situation.

I placed a post in Hire a Freelancer to have a programmer build an automation tool.  BHW registered member LightBuLbs sent me a private message to communicate with him on Skype to talk further on the project.  The quoted price was $250 with half payment upfront.

[4/7/16, 12:29:52 PM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): hi
[4/7/16, 12:28 PM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): hello there, is that all the features you needed?
[4/7/16, 12:25 PM] sm.mkt: Yes, at the moment those are the features I would need. Are you familiar with periscope api?
[4/7/16, 12:45 PM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): yes
[4/7/16, 12:04 PM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): when do you want this started? and how much are you willing to spend?
[4/7/16, 12:09 PM] sm.mkt: is this doable? complicated? does their api change often?
[4/7/16, 12:45 PM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): yes its doable,their api change but not too often
[4/7/16, 12:40 PM] sm.mkt: The sooner the better for me. i am going to get a couple bids and see where the prices come in. can you give me some details about how the bot would be created, what platform. and cost to create and upkeep?
[4/7/16, 12:11 PM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): python, with easy UI, cost: 250 upkeep $20, TAT: 96hr
[4/7/16, 12:47 PM] sm.mkt: ok - and how do you do payments?
[4/7/16, 12:37:18 PM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): 50% initial / 50% upon completion, tested and satisfied

Then everything was understood/agreed too. Upfront payment was then sent.

[4/7/16, 12:44 PM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): [email protected] - kindly send 50% initial as personal payment option if paypal
[4/7/16, 12:46:58 PM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): notify me if payment is made, so i can check and start working on this project
[4/7/16, 12:48:59 PM] sm.mkt: payment sent
[4/7/16, 12:49:05 PM] sm.mkt: please confirm
[4/7/16, 12:49:12 PM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): okay give me a moment to check and confirm
[4/7/16, 12:50:47 PM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): Kevxx Wxxxxxxxx
[4/7/16, 12:50:51 PM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): right?
[4/7/16, 12:50:51 PM] sm.mkt: yes
[4/7/16, 12:50:58 PM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): okay confirmed

Then communication started to drop with false promises and delays to the point of no communication.

[4/9/16, 11:07 AM] sm.mkt: how is the bot development going?
[4/10/16, 8:09 PM] sm.mkt: you around?
[4/11/16, 10:54 AM] sm.mkt: Guy, am I going to have to request money back via paypal and blast you on BHW for being a scam? Whats the deal
[4/11/16, 10:51 AM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): scam? i did not scammed you, still under develop
[4/11/16, 10:21 AM] sm.mkt: Ok, I have just send you multiple messages since we last talked and didn't receive any response so I was unsure what was going on
[4/11/16, 10:23 AM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): 80% complete, you may have it by tomorrow
[4/11/16, 10:55 AM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): just busy on this project that is why i have no time to check skype
[4/11/16, 10:58 AM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): sorry
[4/11/16, 10:05 AM] sm.mkt: ok no problem - good to hear. thank you
[4/11/16, 10:25:40 AM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): your welcome mate
[4/11/16, 10:25:46 AM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): thank you too..
[4/12/16, 2:52 PM] sm.mkt: hello, hows it going?
[4/12/16, 5:14:57 PM] sm.mkt: please provide me an update on bot
[4/12/16, 5:05 PM] sm.mkt: Please send me screen shot of progress
[4/13/16, 12:32 AM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): okay will do
[4/13/16, 7:25:39 AM] sm.mkt: Please send me screen shots
[4/13/16, 7:07 AM] sm.mkt: And update please.
[4/13/16, 11:53:28 PM] sm.mkt: Update please sir. We are now going 4 days pas due date. Also going twice the amount of time expecting to complete in. Given we have never worked together and that you haven't been able to give a decent update I am starting to feel very much are risk with the money I passed to you. Please provide me an update within 12 hours
[4/14/16, 11:47 AM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): sending it on saturday mate
[4/14/16, 11:18 AM] sm.mkt: saturday?
[4/14/16, 11:37 AM] sm.mkt: it was suppose to be done by sunday. on tuesday you were 80% done. why satruday?
[4/14/16, 11:46 AM] sm.mkt: I need screen shots of progress please
[4/14/16, 12:26:23 PM] sm.mkt: If I don't receive screenshot of progress and details i will be filing a claim with paypal and posting on bhw regarding this. I will wait until tomorrow at 12pm pst.
[4/15/16, 8:59 AM] sm.mkt: Sir do you not have a response?
[4/15/16, 8:48:00 AM] sm.mkt: You're a scammer man. You leave me nothing else to believe. I am just going to put you up on BHW as that
[4/15/16, 10:20:43 AM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): i am not a scammer
[4/15/16, 10:20:56 AM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): did you read my messages?
[4/15/16, 10:05 AM] sm.mkt: sir, you continue to postpone the completion date and don't provide me any info or photos of the progress. I don't believe you. Explain yourself. Its very simple. Tell me where were at. whats done. what isn't. send me screen shots of the progress
[4/15/16, 10:12 AM] sm.mkt: ITS NOT COMPLICATED
[4/15/16, 11:42 AM] sm.mkt: I'm not sending you more money until I test the final product. Don't even think the ask for more money before that.
[4/15/16, 11:54 AM] sm.mkt: If the bot is completed then send me a screen shot now. That's common sense
[4/15/16, 11:46 AM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): well the bot is completed
[4/15/16, 11:47 AM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): will send you screenshot on saturday before sending the bot
[4/15/16, 12:26:13 PM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): i am on a business trip,wait till i get back
[4/15/16, 12:26:17 PM] |ight bu|bz (ideas): thanks
[4/15/16, 12:26:53 PM] sm.mkt: If I don't hear from you on Saturday I will report online.
[4/16/16, 8:50:44 AM] sm.mkt: Ok sir. This is it for me. Provide me what you "have"
[4/16/16, 1:34 PM] sm.mkt: you have 12 hours. this is the last delay/warning

I hope this will at least help others who may do business with him....

LightBuLbs has been notified he has 48 hours to respond.

OS
PS. Reminder to all who have current issues, keep it PROFESSIONAL. No name calling or other insults.

Reminder to everyone else:
Shit list rule #4:
If you are not directly related to the situation, or are not offering information directly related to the situation: do not post in the thread.

Futhermore, he blocked me on Skype. So I will never see my money.

Lightbulbs was just online and viewed this thread - and rather than respond, he went to the Freelancer section.

He is temp banned with instructions that he is to respond here when it expires, not continue to peruse the freelancer section.

OS

it has been said many times and i take no pleasure in saying this,
but why do people insist on giving money to a random user who
joined the forum 2 months ago. never ever give your money to
a new member promising the earth, most shit lists here are from
people scammed by new users who joined last month.

as much as i might feel bad for loss of money - you also have to do
do diligence and stop giving money to new members , this is why we
have a market place to buy from approved sellers

Lightbulbs perma-banned

OS

Here too! Luckily I paid using pay for goods. Did you other guys do that too? Please everyone report him on paypal! luckily you'll all get your cash back!=)

Light bulb again cheated me. I paid $50 to him onHe is not responding to me from the time i sent him the payment.

His Skype ID is : bot-makers
Paypal : Company Name (paypal) : Light Bot Creation

[5/14/2016 3:51:29 PM] Sumit Sharma: Hi
[5/14/2016 4:43:58 PM] Bot Makers: hello there
[5/14/2016 1110 PM] Sumit Sharma: yes i am here
[5/14/2016 1142 PM] Sumit Sharma: have you tested the file
[5/14/2016 1130 PM] Sumit Sharma: can you convert it to silent exe ?
[5/15/2016 7:25:46 AM] Bot Makers: yes i have tested and able to confirm it
[5/15/2016 1154 AM] Sumit Sharma: cool
[5/15/2016 11:46:35 AM] Sumit Sharma: so please tell me your account id i have to transfer the money
[5/15/2016 12:56:59 PM] Bot Makers: okay paypal correct?
[5/15/2016 12:57:14 PM] Bot Makers:light.bublzXyahoooo.com
[5/15/2016 12:57:18 PM] Sumit Sharma: yes please
[5/15/2016 12:57:21 PM] Bot Makers: kindly send payment as personal payment option
[5/15/2016 12:57:33 PM] Sumit Sharma: have you tested the converted file
[5/15/2016 12:57:43 PM] Bot Makers: yes
[5/15/2016 12:57:52 PM] Bot Makers: do you have the personal payment option on paypal?
[5/15/2016 12:57:59 PM] Sumit Sharma: its has to work well else you have to refund the amount
[5/15/2016 12:58:11 PM] Bot Makers: It'll work that is a guarantee
[5/15/2016 12:58:12 PM] Sumit Sharma: i have to check first
[5/15/2016 12:58:16 PM] Sumit Sharma:
[5/15/2016 12:58:21 PM] Bot Makers: once payment is made
[5/15/2016 12:58:34 PM] Bot Makers: i will transfer so you can check
[5/15/2016 12:58:38 PM] Sumit Sharma: sure i will send the payment first
[5/15/2016 12:58:47 PM] Bot Makers: okay
[5/15/2016 12:59:05 PM | Edited 12:59:04 PM] Bot Makers: do you have personal payment option in paypal?
[5/15/2016 12:59:20 PM] Sumit Sharma: but in case any issue the payment has to be refund or the error has to be resolved
[5/15/2016 12:59:36 PM] Bot Makers: Yes
[5/15/2016 1:00:01 PM] Sumit Sharma: what is the format of converted file ?
[5/15/2016 1:00:49 PM] Bot Makers: at the moment it is on exe format
[5/15/2016 105 PM] Sumit Sharma: thats what we need
[5/15/2016 112 PM] Bot Makers: okay
[5/15/2016 117 PM] Bot Makers: let me know when payment is sent
[5/15/2016 123 PM] Bot Makers: by the personal payment option only.
[5/15/2016 1:03:42 PM] Sumit Sharma: have you installed it on your computer ?
[5/15/2016 1:04:19 PM] Bot Makers: already uninstalled it.
[5/15/2016 1:04:22 PM] Bot Makers: also i will not keep the source code
[5/15/2016 1:04:45 PM | Edited 1:04:55 PM] Sumit Sharma: may i know your IP so i can cross check
[5/15/2016 107 PM] Bot Makers: i use vpn
[5/15/2016 129 PM | Edited 131 PM] Sumit Sharma: still it must be having some IP
[5/15/2016 110 PM | Edited 112 PM] Bot Makers: let me know once it is sent, also on what email will i send the exe
[5/15/2016 149 PM] Bot Makers: ?\
[5/15/2016 144 PM] Bot Makers: Are you still here?
[5/15/2016 231 PM] Sumit Sharma: sure
[5/15/2016 238 PM] Sumit Sharma: i will let you know
[5/15/2016 215 PM] Sumit Sharma: i am not able to send the payment
[5/15/2016 200 PM] Sumit Sharma: India personal payment option is not acceptable
[5/15/2016 3:41:45 PM] Bot Makers: ok send as service/goods
[5/15/2016 3:46:36 PM] Bot Makers: ?
[5/15/2016 3:46:41 PM | Edited 3:46:49 PM] Bot Makers: send as services
[5/15/2016 3:46:47 PM] Sumit Sharma: i tried sending same
[5/15/2016 3:47:01 PM] Sumit Sharma: but its not going through
[5/15/2016 3:47:49 PM] Sumit Sharma: i called paypal and they said your setting are not good to receive payments
[5/15/2016 3:55:51 PM] Bot Makers: who's setting?
[5/15/2016 3:55:53 PM] Bot Makers: mine?
[5/15/2016 3:55:58 PM] Sumit Sharma: yes
[5/15/2016 3:56:23 PM] Bot Makers: try sending there
[5/15/2016 3:56:32 PM] Bot Makers: what does it say when you send?
[5/15/2016 3:57:01 PM] Sumit Sharma: i have sent you a picture
[5/15/2016 3:57:41 PM] Sumit Sharma: please see above
[5/15/2016 3:57:54 PM] Bot Makers: this one
[5/15/2016 3:59:26 PM] Sumit Sharma: same issue
[5/15/2016 4:09:00 PM] Sumit Sharma: have you seen
[5/15/2016 4:09:54 PM] Sumit Sharma: you need to change your receiving settings thats what paypal is saying
[5/15/2016 4:14:05 PM] Sumit Sharma: please let me know once you are done i will send the money
[5/15/2016 4:15:57 PM] Bot Makers: ok one sec
[5/15/2016 4:16:48 PM] Bot Makers: what was the issue?
[5/15/2016 4:19:27 PM] Sumit Sharma: PayPal said that the recipient has to made correction in his receiving settings
[5/15/2016 4:19:46 PM] Bot Makers: you called them?
[5/15/2016 4:19:59 PM | Edited 4:20:10 PM] Sumit Sharma: yes
[5/15/2016 4:20:14 PM] Bot Makers: ok hold on
[5/15/2016 4:24:56 PM] Bot Makers: let me figure it out
[5/15/2016 4:24:59 PM] Bot Makers: give me a moment
[5/15/2016 4:25:06 PM] Sumit Sharma: sure
[5/15/2016 4:25:13 PM] Sumit Sharma: i am around
[5/15/2016 6:08:23 PM] Bot Makers: how about i send you an invoice?
[5/15/2016 6:41:34 PM] Bot Makers: hi, i have updated the receiving option
[5/15/2016 8:17:15 PM] Bot Makers: send again
[5/15/2016 11:58:35 PM] Sumit Sharma: ok
[5/15/2016 11:58:38 PM] Sumit Sharma: let me try
[5/16/2016 12:00:15 AM] Sumit Sharma: so which ID should i send the payment
[5/16/2016 12:00:39 AM] Bot Makers:
[5/16/2016 12:00:59 AM] Sumit Sharma: ok
[5/16/2016 12:03:51 AM] Sumit Sharma: its gone
[5/16/2016 12:04:00 AM] Bot Makers: ?
[5/16/2016 12:04:01 AM] Sumit Sharma: you can check your account
[5/16/2016 12:04:08 AM] Bot Makers: what do you mean its gone?
[5/16/2016 12:04:27 AM] Bot Makers: 1 sec
[5/16/2016 12:04:28 AM] Sumit Sharma: i means payment has gone from my side through
[5/16/2016 12:04:40 AM] Bot Makers: im confused
[5/16/2016 12:04:49 AM] Sumit Sharma:
[5/16/2016 12:05:32 AM] Bot Makers: Available
$0.00 USD*


Withheld
$47.50 USD
[5/16/2016 12:05:37 AM] Bot Makers: payment is held
[5/16/2016 12:05:56 AM] Bot Makers: received 47.50
[5/16/2016 12:06:17 AM] Sumit Sharma: from my side i have sent 50 USD
[5/16/2016 12:06:49 AM] Bot Makers: paypal cut the fees
[5/16/2016 12:06:52 AM] Bot Makers: also it is held
[5/16/2016 12:06:58 AM] Sumit Sharma: my be some charges from your side
[5/16/2016 12:07:31 AM] Sumit Sharma: my be paypal will take some time
[5/16/2016 12:07:42 AM] Bot Makers: i dont know hold on
[5/16/2016 12:09:30 AM] Sumit Sharma: to me it shows payment has been completed successfully
[5/16/2016 12:10:27 AM] Bot Makers: one sec ill show you
[5/16/2016 12:11:04 AM] Sumit Sharma: i understand
[5/16/2016 12:12:09 AM] Sumit Sharma: hmm
[5/16/2016 12:13:04 AM] Sumit Sharma: I think Paypal have some transition charges
[5/16/2016 12:13:46 AM] Bot Makers: i have experienced this kind of payment held before from Indian clients and Pakistan
[5/16/2016 12:14:18 AM] Sumit Sharma: its completed now
[5/16/2016 12:14:23 AM] Sumit Sharma: you have it
[5/16/2016 12:14:47 AM] Bot Makers: check the full image
[5/16/2016 12:15:51 AM] Bot Makers: still none, check the full images, scroll down
[5/16/2016 12:15:53 AM] Bot Makers: it says pending
[5/16/2016 12:15:59 AM] Bot Makers: are you able to file a dispute
[5/16/2016 12:16:10 AM] Bot Makers: ?
[5/16/2016 12:16:40 AM] Sumit Sharma: let me check
[5/16/2016 12:16:49 AM] Bot Makers: ok
[5/16/2016 12:19:58 AM] Sumit Sharma: yes i can
[5/16/2016 12:20:13 AM] Bot Makers: kindly file a dispute for item not receive
[5/16/2016 12:20:20 AM] Bot Makers: tell me once it is filed
[5/16/2016 12:20:36 AM] Sumit Sharma: brother but i dont think its a problem
[5/16/2016 12:20:58 AM] Sumit Sharma: you will receive as they have taken from my account
[5/16/2016 12:21:01 AM] Bot Makers: well the payment is held, this is what my indian client does to remove it
[5/16/2016 12:21:23 AM] Sumit Sharma: paypal can not keep it with them
[5/16/2016 12:21:49 AM] Bot Makers: are you willing to wait 21 days?
[5/16/2016 12:22:03 AM] Sumit Sharma: no
[5/16/2016 12:22:17 AM] Bot Makers: Funds availability
Payments you receive can be instantly available in your PayPal account, once you're an established seller with PayPal. To qualify as an established seller, all you have to do is meet these 3 basic requirements
[5/16/2016 12:22:47 AM] Sumit Sharma: let me file a dispute but that can also take some time
[5/16/2016 12:22:55 AM] Bot Makers: just file one
[5/16/2016 12:23:00 AM] Bot Makers: tell me once it is done
[5/16/2016 12:24:46 AM] Sumit Sharma: ok done
[5/16/2016 12:25:57 AM] Bot Makers: alright. its now held on dispute
[5/16/2016 12:26:08 AM] Bot Makers: cancel the dispute for the funds to be release
[5/16/2016 12:26:17 AM] Sumit Sharma: ok
[5/16/2016 12:28:56 AM | Edited 12:29:01 AM] Sumit Sharma: but my friend if i do so i cant not claim the money back in case if it will not work
[5/16/2016 12:29:46 AM] Sumit Sharma: now you can see the amount in front of you
[5/16/2016 12:30:00 AM] Bot Makers: i will do a refund, but you have my word and guarantee that you won't regret it..
[5/16/2016 12:30:07 AM] Bot Makers: payment is held now by paypal
[5/16/2016 12:31:09 AM] Sumit Sharma: yes but i will also close the case once i have the file tested
[5/16/2016 12:31:17 AM] Sumit Sharma: trust me
[5/16/2016 12:32:58 AM] Bot Makers: as long as payment is held
[5/16/2016 12:33:03 AM] Bot Makers: nothing i can send
[5/16/2016 12:35:49 AM] Sumit Sharma: you want me trust but you cant
[5/16/2016 1206 AM] Bot Makers: ?
[5/16/2016 1211 AM] Bot Makers: okay it is up to you
[5/16/2016 1226 AM] Sumit Sharma: you can see that i have transfer the money
[5/16/2016 1250 AM] Bot Makers: i can see that but its held
[5/16/2016 12:37:17 AM] Sumit Sharma: ok let me close the case
[5/16/2016 12:37:23 AM] Bot Makers: OK
[5/16/2016 12:38:22 AM] Sumit Sharma: please check now
[5/16/2016 12:38:35 AM] Bot Makers: give me a moment
[5/16/2016 1:03:08 AM] Sumit Sharma: have you received ?
[5/16/2016 1:03:18 AM] Bot Makers: not yet, still waiting to update
[5/16/2016 1:03:23 AM] Sumit Sharma: hmm
[5/16/2016 1:03:54 AM] Sumit Sharma: ok let me know one you are ready to send the file
[5/16/2016 1:04:18 AM] Bot Makers: wil ldo
[5/16/2016 1:04:33 AM] Sumit Sharma: or you can send the file now
[5/16/2016 1:04:44 AM] Sumit Sharma: as i cant do anything now
[5/16/2016 8:20:30 AM] Sumit Sharma: Hello
[5/16/2016 8:22:10 AM] Sumit Sharma: have you received the money
[5/16/2016 12:07:04 PM] Sumit Sharma: By when will send me the file
[12:10:38 AM] Sumit Sharma: Hello
[12:11:19 AM] *** Call to Bot Makers, no answer.
Send video message ***
[12:16:28 AM] Sumit Sharma: what is the issue man why you are not responding

Thanks for the warning! Will stay away from this guy..